Novel processing of Yttrium Aluminum Garnet promises improved raw materials for lasers

Synthesis of Yttrium Aluminum Garnet by modifying the citrate precursor method

Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG) is an important material used in the production of laser systems, for coating electronic devices, for tubes of cathodic rays and recently it has been considered as a suitable material for structural applications at high temperatures. In order to be successful in these applications the material properties such as optical properties, chemical stability at high temperatures, good corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, must be closely controlled.

Conventional synthesis of YAG requires high temperatures and a long time of calcination for the formation of the YAG phase. The result is grain growth and a decrease of mechanical properties of the final products. To keep temperatures as low as possible and maximise desirable properties, a series of wet methods have been developed.

Researchers from Instituto de Investigaciones Metalúrgicas, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo have published their findings into novel processing of Yttrium Aluminum Garnet in AZojomo*. The research, by J. Zárate, R. López and E. A. Aguilar used spray drying and modified the citrate precursor method.

They found that spray drying reduced energy input and processing time while producing materials with good homogenization, spherical particles and fluidity characteristics.